The chief executive of The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) John Fingleton has agreed his team will meet with Island MP Andrew Turner to discuss his campaign for an investigation into cross-Solent ferry services.
Mr Turner said the meeting was an important next step in the campaign.
The OFT is the UK’s consumer and competition authority,h said Mr Turner. Its mission is to make markets work well for consumers. We know that the ferry companies will be taking advice from teams of expensive lawyers and accountants should the OFT launch an investigation. The OFT exist to act on behalf of the consumer and I shall be seeking advice on various aspects of the campaign from their specialist team.
Another positive in the campaign is the public’s response so far for comments on their experiences of cross-Solent travel. Over 3,000 people have given their support on Mr Turner’s website, he has received more than 400 representations via post and e-mail and nearly 1,000 people have returned a questionnaire published in the County Press. Mr Turner added:
These public responses should carry a great deal of weight with the OFT as they are first-hand, detailed evidence in support of my submission.
People from the mainland as well as Islanders have pledged support for the campaign. Mainland MPs, whose constituents are affected, are also backing it on a cross party basis. You can give your experiences and support the campaign by visiting Mr Turnerfs website at www.islandmp.org or by writing to him at 24 The Mall, Carisbrooke Road, Newport, PO30 1BW.
Mr Turner said that he will be looking to build awareness of and support for the campaign over the next few weeks and many people including the Island Federation of WIs and Townswomenfs Guilds have already volunteered to help, as well as individual members of the public. If you would like to help Mr Turner with this campaign please visit his website on www.islandmp.org or contact his office.
END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808
